The Australian has reported that the Dreamliner may come to Australia as part of it’s flight testing program. Alice Springs has been mooted as a possible destination, although some PR flights throughout the Eastern states are likely. Boeing VP Dennis O’Donoghue stated that decisions regarding locations for flight testing are often made very late in the planning cycle (Ed: Or at least, publicized very late …)

Currently there are three test aircraft flying with a fourth soon to join the program. Orders for the next generation aircraft approach a record 900 airframes, including almost 200 of the longer -9 version, although orders have stagnated since the GFC of 2008. ILFC has the largest order book, with All Nippon and Qantas close behind.